A visiting delegation from China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) met Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in Honiara today, reassuring him China stands ready to help. 

Duan Chunhua, who is both a member of the standing committee of the NPC and the vice chairman of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, led the delegation.

During their meeting, Sogavare also reassured the Chinese delegation that Solomon Islands will continue to strengthen its  relationship and cooperation with China in the area of agriculture.

Sogavare also acknowledged the support China provided to Solomon Islands since he switched the country’s diplomatic relations from Taiwan to China in September 2019.

The prime minister said Solomon Islands is indebted to the government and people of China for their generous support.

In response, Chunhua was quoted in a government statement issued this afternoon as saying China’s rich experience and knowledge in agriculture can be shared to positively impact the lives of Solomon Islanders.

_{PM Sogavare MP and Hon. Chunhua of NPC standing Committee and Vice Chairman of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, NPC}

^{(PC:OPMC Press Secretariat)}

He said China stands ready to cooperate with Solomon Islands in the area of Agriculture, affirming sentiments Sogavare expressed that “agriculture is the backbone of Solomon Islands”.

The NPC delegation’s visit came as China dispatched its new and second ambassador to Solomon Islands this week.

Cai Weiming arrived in Honiara on Monday and presented his letter of introduction to Governor General Sir David Vunagi on Tuesday.

China’s National People’s Congress is the highest organ of state power in the communist country.

With 2,977 members in 2023, it is the largest legislative body in the world. 

The NPC is elected for a term of five years. It holds annual sessions lasting up to two weeks on the west side of Tiananmen Square in Beijing.